Tammy's Review	Stephanie's Review	Pomaika`i's Review	Jennifer's Review	Donna's Review

Review by Tammy

Cynthia Powell, Sherre Hulbert, Lesley Venable, and Elizabeth Dawson, co-authors of Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts describe Mixed Media as “the blending of different types of materials, finding new uses for the unusual, bringing together anything that strikes our fancy, from fabric to paper, to embroidery and beading, to create harmony in the overall piece that we incorporate these various media into”. In the pages of this book, these four talented ladies bring to life the world of Mixed Media Arts.

The glossy cover is sure to catch your eye with the wonderful color photos of images that highlight some of the many projects found in this 91-page book. The book is divided into four main sections that is followed by a Manufacture’s Resource Guide which includes website addresses for each of the resources.

Since the book is sub-titled Projects & Techniques – Volume I, you are sure to know that there is a second book on its way. Volume II, Recycled Art”, is scheduled to be released in Fall ’09.

The four basic sections of the book are:

• Section A: Bare Bones – The Basics led by Project Manager, Cynthia Powell
• Section B: Artful Assemblages – Recycled Art led by Project Manager, Sherre Hulbert
• Section C: Altered Canvas – Fabrics and Fiber led by Project Manager, Lesley Venable
• Section D: Unique Embellishments and Jewelry led by Project Manager, Elizabeth Dawson

Each section begins with the Project Manager writing an overview of what you will learn and also what you will need to complete the projects found in that particular section. Each finished project is photographed in full color with a complete supply list located beside it. The step-by-step instructions are written clearly so that a beginner would easily understand how to complete each phase of the project. Helpful tips are given and extra photographs are shown throughout the book when needed for clarification.

After reading through the book Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts I found myself wanting to try many of the techniques but I didn’t know where to start first. I decided to work on a canvas and combine techniques shown in Section A and C. To begin my project I covered my canvas with White Gesso and let it dry completely before continuing. I loved the texture found in the “Beautiful Thoughts” journal by Sherre Hulbert. Using some Molding Paste and foam stamps I followed the instructions outlined in this project only I used my canvas as the base for my texture rather than the journal that Sherre used in her project. Once the texture was completely dry I used acrylic paint mixed with some Iridescent Medium to add a bit of shimmer to the project. Once my background was complete I used some inspiration by the canvas “Sitting Pretty” by Lesley Venable and “In Grandma’s Memory – A Stacked Canvas Shrine” by Sherre Hulbert to complete my canvas. I really liked the soft vintage feel of the “Sitting Pretty” canvas, yet the depth that was found in “In Grandma’s Memory” was also intriguing. In keeping with the soft vintage feel, I added some rhinestones to the textured flowers and the flourish to the top of the canvas. To add depth to the canvas I mounted my photograph and metal plate using foam tape. I was very pleased with how well all of the different techniques came together on this one canvas.

Title: Family Canvas
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Prismatics)
Patterned Paper (Daisy D's)
Canvas (Coloron)
White Gesso (Liquitex)
Acrylic Medium (Galeria)
Iridescent Medium (Winsor & Newton)
Quinacridone Crimson Acrylic (Golden)
Yellow Pastel, Modern Red, Landscape Green, Blank Canvas Acrylic (Claudine Hellmuth)
Texture Magic (Delta)
Foam Stamps (Making Memories)
Crystals (Prima)
Metal Embellishment (Misc)
Foam Tape (3M)
Flourish Die Cut (Cutter Files)
Super Seal (Creative Imaginations)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I have dozens of glass jars sitting on a shelf, all collecting dust because “one day I’m going to use them for something”. After reading Section B: Artful Assemblages – Recycled Art, it was time to do something with at least one of those jars! Of course, I almost got side tracked by Cynthia Powell’s “Nature at it’s Finest” project which used a retired metal rabbit feeder.

It seems that lately I am using more and more paint in my scrapbooking and upon receiving some very nice artist brushes recently, I wanted a special place to keep them on my desk. Inspired by Sherre Hulbert’s “Tarnished Angels” project I decided to use a bottle cap as the focal point on my jar. I loved the lace found around the bottom of “The Bottle-and-Bead Place Cards” project, also by Sherre Hulbert along with the beautiful flowers that was placed inside each of the jars. Since my jar would be used for a different purpose I decided to use some drywall tape instead of lace around my jar. I then used the bottle cap as the center of my flower and placed it onto the front of my jar using a liquid adhesive. A few more embellishments and my once plain jar was transformed into a useful container that now has a home on my workdesk.

 
Title: Brush Jar
Products used: Glass Jar (Prima)
Flower (Paper Studio)
Paint (Claudine Hellmuth)
Gesso (Claudine Hellmuth)
Matte Multi Medium (Claudine Hellmuth)
Drywall Tape
Diamond Glaze (Judikins)

So much inspiration is found inside the pages of Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts” that it left my head spinning with ideas! Each of the projects outlined in the book were easy enough for a beginner to understand yet challenging enough for the experienced artist. And, if you find that this book “leaves you wanting more”, you will find details in the back of the book for joining a Yahoo group that is led by Cynthia Powell, Sherre Hulbert, Lesley Venable & Elizabeth Dawson which includes mini-workshops, more techniques, experimenting with products, book reviews and more up to the minute predictions of trends.

Keep up with latest trends in Mixed Media and grab your copy of Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts by Cynthia Powell, Sherre Hulbert, Lesley Venable and Elizabeth Dawson.

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Review by Stephanie

For my review this month I was excited to receive a new publication entitled “Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts”. This is quite an informative book by artists Cynthia Powell, Sherre Hulbert, Lesley Venable and Elizabeth Dawson. Each artist has about 40 years of crafting experience and they have opened up their wealth of knowledge to all of us!

“Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts” contains many, many projects along with complete instructions for creating each of them. This 91 page soft cover book has a high gloss cover on which tidbits of the some of the included artwork are displayed. Each page has colored examples of the projects and the instructions are written in an easy to read and follow format. From altered books to wall hangings to jewelry, there is definitely something in this book to delight the artist in all of us.

Broken into 4 sections: A) Bare Bones – the Basics; (B) Artful Assemblages – Recycled Art; (C) The Altered Canvas - Fabrics and Fibers; and (D) Unique Embellishments & Jewelry, each section has a minimum of 10 projects that will get your creative juices flowing. I am amazed at the number of projects that have been included with very detailed information covering ways to use junk mail, paper towels, tissue paper, and even dryer sheets.

Using junk mail is an ingenious idea – I mean we all get junk, so why not make it worthwhile to get. The altered journals are amazing. So many ideas and so many ways to alter something we all have in our homes. The instructions are quite easy to follow and the supplies you need are all listed with each project. Even the jewelry is amazing. So gather some supplies and play. Mix them up and create something that is uniquely yours.

My first project was altering a notebook. Following the steps in “How to Prep Your Journal”, I sanded the notebook (something I’ve never thought to do before), then painted it white. This added step of sanding the gloss finish allows the artwork to adhere more effectively. Deciding to work with tissue paper and paint, I took ideas from each designer to create my journal. I took some white tissue paper and wadded it up, then gently pulled it apart. I added a layer of glue to my notebook, then gently worked in the tissue paper until I achieved the look I wanted. When it was dry, I painted my book with touches of red, blue and yellow acrylic paints. I love how the paint interacted with the ridges in the tissue paper. Once dry, I added rubons, a frame and used modge podge as a sealant. I added a tab with “09”, some ribbon and beads to finish off my journal.

Title: Journal
Products used: Notebook (Mead)
Paint (Golden Quinacrodone Crimson, Phthalo Blue, Quinacrodone Nickel Azo Gold)
Rubons (Making Memories)
Die Cut (Spellbinders, Nestabilities)
Modge Podge (Plaid)
Punch (Stampin Up)
Stickers (Basic Grey)
Other (Tissue Paper, ribbon, beads)

All the journals are pretty amazing. I plan on using mine to work on Project 365 this year, recording my thoughts until I can get the layouts completed. But there are so many possibilities. What about creating an art journal, a reading journal, a scrap journal or even a diary? Any of these possibilities, and more, can be created by following along with the instructions for each journal, or mixing them up as I did.

Another project, The Bottles and Beads Place Cards by Sherre Hulbert, also caught my eye. I thought they’d be a great decoration for a party. As I began working with my supplies, I thought they might make very different bridal shower place settings. Since my niece is getting married later this year, I created some sample place settings, adding a small picture of her as a child to the tag.

Title: Bridal Shower Place Settings
Products used: Cardstock (Prima, Baby Pink Light) Pattern paper (Sandylion, My Girl Collection)
Die Cut (Sizzix)
Stamps (Melissa Francis)
Ink (Ranger)
Jars, Flowers (Michaels)
Beads (Greenbrier)

I love the idea of using junk mail to create art. Following along with Elizabeth Dawson’s “Air Mail Special” on page 40, I worked with tissue paper, wrapping paper, pattern paper, envelopes and paint, adhering pieces of each to some fabric. Once I had my “art” ready, I decided to create a birthday card for my son.

Title: Birthday Card
Products used: Cardstock (Prima Black) Pattern Paper (MME)
Die cut (Spellbinders)
Paint (Golden Quinacrodone Crimson, Phthalo Blue, Quinacrodone Nickel Azo Gold)
Stamp (Hampton Arts)
Ink (Ranger)
Other (Machine Stitching)

With my left over artwork, I then created a Valentine’s Day card. I was amazed at how easily this artwork could be used with die cutting equipment.

This is one publication you need to spend some time perusing because each time you look through it you will definitely find something you missed, something else that tweaks your interest, some other medium to work with. It definitely will help you think outside your box and work with products and materials in different ways. This book has been noted Volume 1 and I absolutely loved it. I can’t wait to see what any successive volumes will include.

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Review by Pomaika`i

Mixed Media is an exciting art form in which artists bring together a variety of materials and techniques to create stunning projects and unusual pieces of art. Mixed Media artists use found objects, "junk" headed for the landfill, new items, paint, ink, stamps, cloth, canvas and a myriad of other items in their work.

Four Mixed Media artists teamed up to create this resource book, "Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts, Projects & Techniques Volume 1", which is the subject of my review. According to their biographies, Cynthia Powell, Elizabeth Dawson, Sherre Hulbert and Lesley Venable are experienced mixed media artists. Each seems to have a deep background in creating with mixed media and are or have taught classes in the area.

This book, as stated in the introduction, "is intended to stimulate your creativity, however if there is an unfamiliar technique that we have given only the basic instructions for and you wish to expand your knowledge of a specific technique, we encourage you to refer to other published instructional books with regards to more in-depth information."

There are four major sections.

• Bare Bones-The Basics
• Assemblage-Recycled Art
• Altered Canvas-Fabrics and Fibers
• Unique Embellishemnts and Jewelry

"Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts" is a soft cover paperback measuring 8 x 10". There are 54 projects within the four sections listed above. Each project has a materials list, brief step by step instructions, tips and one or more color photos of the project being taught. Most of the projects are two pages long, laid out on facing pages for easy reference. When the project has fewer steps, or for general technique how-to's, the project will appear on a single page. Very rarely will a project cover more than two pages.

I like the simple layout of the pages and the colors chosen for the highlighted lists. The full color photos are useful as examples and inspiring to look at. Each section has its own one page introduction that tells the reader what to expect in the coming pages. There is a wide variety of projects to chose from. Some of my favorites are "Red Hot Passion" fiber tote bag, a totally cool bag made by winding different fibers around cotton piping and then stitching the piping into a basket like shape. "Family Heirlooms," a wall hanging created with things like keys and baby shoes, just beautiful! The most unusual project uses a metal rabbit feeder to create a fun "diorama" like piece to hang on your wall ("Nature at it's Finest"). And finally, "Tarnished Angels," project that uses old bottles in a new way.

As I was reading through the book, I was on the look out for something that I would have fun making, and that I could make with materials I had on hand. I found the materials lists helpful for this. Occasionally I came across an unfamiliar material such as Peltex or Timtex. This was on the supply list for my first project. Now, I know that I could look it up on the internet, but let's face it, I was lazy. I decided that after reading the instructions for the project, I could just skip the step and my project would not suffer. The supply list already has brief definitions for some of the less commonly used items, I would find it helpful if all of the name brand or specialized items also had these definitions. One other item I was not too sure of was a "light bulb clip (from small discarded lampshade)" in the "Illuminated Magic" tin lampshade project. It would be really great if a picture of this item and similar items was shown, so that I knew what I was looking for. I think that it would save time in the long run for people wanting to do the projects. That being said, there is a page at the end of the book with "Manufacturer's Resources" that gives links and items they specialize it. This will be helpful in tracking down most of the supplies.

Before I move on to my projects, I also wanted to mention that the authors extend an invitation for readers to join their discussion group online. I think that this support would complement "Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts." I am sure that if you had questions on anything in the book like where to get a supply or trouble shooting a technique, you could probably find answers there.

I have some experience in Mixed Media art, but mostly I like looking at other people's projects. Reviewing this book gave me an excellent reason to change from a watcher to a do-er. It was also a great way for me to test the clarity of the instructions for a few of the projects. For my first project I chose "Air Mail Special" by Elizabeth A. Dawson. This project allows you to create a mixture of fabric and paper postcards that can be sent in the mail.

I found the instructions to be clear and easy to read. There is room for creativity and substitution of materials if desired. I started with a piece of muslin and a bunch of torn scrapbook paper scraps. Elizabeth used junk mail for her project. I adhered the paper scraps to my muslin in a random fashion with the recommended mixture of 4 parts glue to 1 part water. I used hand painted tissue paper for my second layer, and lastly metallic paint in random places on my piece.

I embellished my postcards with all sorts of items I had left over from previous projects. Orphaned rub-ons, stickers and stamped images, extra ribbons, fabric scraps and ticket stubs. Elizabeth recycled her junk mail, I recycled my project scraps. I adhered my embellishments by sewing. The final step was to sew the embellished front to a 4 x 6" piece of cardstock. I stamped the word "postcard" on the cardstock and drew a line to divide the writing space from the address space. The whole process took longer than I thought it would, but it was fun and I like the postcards that came out of it.

Title: Fabric Postcards
Products used:Cardstock: Prism
Techniques Inspired by Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts; Projects and Techniques-Volume I (Cynthia Powell, Sherre Hulbert, Lesley Venable, Elizabeth Dawson)
Acrylic Paint (Golden)
Stamps (Club Scrap, Queen Kat, Melanie Sage, Jim Stephan)
Rub Ons (Karen Foster)
Stickers (Mrs. Grossman)
Ink (Balance)
Pen (Sakura)
Other (Muslin, Scrapbook Paper Scraps, Tissue Paper, Stickers, Word Tabs, Ribbon, Old Music Sheet, Fabric, Ephemera, button)
Adhesive (Joann Tacky Glue)

My second project was created following instructions for "Vintage Treasure Tin" by Lesley Venable. I was intrigued to note that you can remove the printed coating from a tin by using a butane torch. This would be a time saving way to strip tins, as I sand them by hand now. Unfortunately, I do not own a butane torch, so I used my trusty sanding method for this project. However, if I ever have occasion to use a butane torch, I will try this method for sure! After sanding my tin, I primed it with two coats of gesso. By the way, I removed the tin lid for easy access to sanding and painting. This was the first time I tried this and I worked well. The lid was held on with a metal tab rather than hinges.

Many years ago I purchase a Patina Antiquing Set from the craft store. It allows you to paint an ordinary object with copper paint, then age it using a finishing solution. There it sat high on a shelf in my craft area for a long, long time. Lesley's project inspired me to pull it out and test the technique. Lucky for me, the contents of the kit did not age or deteriorate. I followed the instructions and left my tin to "age" over night. It was beautiful!!! I love the patina. As a final embellishment, I used acrylic paint and stamps on the surface of the tin. Gorgeous! I love the way this project turned out, and will be doing more antiquing in the near future. Thank you Lesley!

Title: Antique Tin
Products used: Techniques Inspired by Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts; Projects and Techniques-Volume I (Cynthia Powell, Sherre Hulbert, Lesley Venable, Elizabeth Dawson)
Gesso (Claudine Hellmuth Studio)
Patina Antiquing Set (Modern Options)
Acrylic Paint (Plaid)
Stamps (Tinkering Ink Spring)
Tin (Starbucks Gum)

I enjoyed perusing "Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts; Projects and Techniques Volume 1". I found the projects interesting and inspiring. I understand from the authors introduction that this book is not intended to be a comprehensive introduction to Mixed Media art, but rather a resource for inspiration and a recipe book for projects you may wish to create as you build your skills with Mixed Media.

I recommend this book to experienced crafters and mixed media artists. If you are a beginner, I think you will enjoy this book, as long as you understand that the instructions are brief, and though clear and well written, assume you have some prior craft experience. If you have the internet or a few other mixed media books around, or if you have a driving curiosity to learn, you will be in heaven because I know you will enjoy these projects. An analogy in the cooking world might be to think of "Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts" as being a gourmet recipe book rather than the comprehensive Betty Crocker Cook Book.

If you are looking to improve your grasp on Mixed Media Art, or even if you are just curious and would like to have some fun creating, take a look at "Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts," it is a great resource for creating wonderful projects. Create more beauty in the world while reducing the landfill, an excellent idea!

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Review by Jennifer

I learned a long time ago to try not to judge a book by its cover. The photos in this $24.99 mixed media art instruction book weren't as sharp as I would expect - possibly due to printing on matte paper and the overall design seemed to disregard current graphic design and marketing trends. Once I began to dig in and try the projects, I realized this hidden gem of a book would become one of my favorite new books. Despite the modest packaging, it is packed full of inspiring mixed media art projects with excellent step by step instructions.

I think the best way to describe it is that it's like a cookbook of mixed media art. The authors of Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts provide step by step instructions for 45 different projects. The range of projects and materials is impressive. There are plenty of of beautiful collage, assemblage, and art journal projects, as well as primitive style (my apologies if that's not the right description) jewelry, altered objects, a handmade purse, and very useful sandbags. I know a few folks who like to try everything at least once, and this book seems made especially for them. I'm not that ambitious, but I like having this book available whenever I ever want to try something new. As a scrapbooker, I liked that many of the materials, techniques, and ideas in this book can be applied to memory arts. I created the holiday canvas layout below as inspired by Sherre Hulbert's stunning Stacked Canvas Shrine. I try not to use too many high-dimension materials for most of my scrapbook layouts because they can add a lot of bulk to an album. It was nice to be able to use silk flowers, foam core, and large velvet ribbon for a high-depth layout for the wall.

Title: Christmas In Cali
Products used: Idea Book (Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts)
Cardstock (Prism Prismatics)
Patterned Paper (Basic Grey, Wassail; Paper Adventures, Gold Toile)
Stickers (7Gypsies, Calais)
Metal Border (K & Company)
Velvet Ribbon (MemoryVilla)
Ink (ClearSnap Fluid Chalk, Warm Red; Marvy LePlume Marker)
Wet Adhesive (E6000)
LP Frame (Michaels)
Brass Wire (Craft Closet)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I like the many fabric projects in Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts. I had fun creating the watermedia postcards below following most of the instructions in Elizabeth Dawson's Air Mail Special project. The loose canvas allowed me to add dimensional objects to postcards by sewing through the canvas after I prepared the backgrounds. I also used some of Lesley Venable's Brown Sugar project instructions to color the back of some old patterned paper for the back of the feathered postcard.

Title: Fabric Postcards
Products used: Idea Book (Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts)
Cardstock (Prism Prismatics, Bazzill)
Patterned Paper (Jenni Bowlin, American Crafts)
Wet Adhesives (Tacky Glue, Aileens; Liquitex Semi-Gloss Gel Medium)
Brads (Making Memories)
Fabric Markers (Jacquard Tee Juice)
Other (Tissue paper, assorted craft paints, embroidery floss, feather, staples, silk flowers)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

One of the things I liked most about Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts is that it's very, very eco-friendly aka green - there were plenty of projects to choose from that didn't require a trip to the arts and crafts store. Recycling and repurposed art is supercool to me, and in the world of mixed media, it's more than a trend, it's part of a longstanding tradition. For example, Sherre Hulbert's cool Tarnished Angels project begins with plain bottles otherwised destined for the recycling plant. Sherre dressed them up to create a gathering of angels. I knew I wanted to create a simple variation of Sherre's project. I scrounged around the house for objects to repurpose and found an old paint jar, a dried fruit from a potpourri package, and paints, inks, and embellishments from my scrapbooking stash. I created the doll jar below.

Title: Doll Jar
Products used: Idea Book (Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts)
Patterned Paper (Junkitz)
Fiber (Adornaments)
Flower (Prima)
Ink (Ranger Alcohol Ink, Jacquard Pinata)
Paint (Making Memories, Golden)
Wet Adhesive (E6000)
Other (potpourri fruit, recycled paint jar) Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

She's not as eccentrically cool as Sherre's Tarnished Angels. She's just cute and functional, and was ridiculously fun to make. There really aren't any "cute" projects in Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts. That is one thing that surprised, and possibly pleased me. There's a definite trend towards the cute and whimsical in mixed media art right now, but the authors stayed true to their individual style, which seems more on the artistic, collage spectrum of current mixed media art and crafting trends. The altered chocolate box below is more influenced by the authors' style in using beautiful finishes and vintage images to create art. I rarely use vintage images, so it was a fun step outside my usual scrapbooking routine. The box was directly inspired by Cynthia Powell's stunning Lady Charleston, a stunning faux-antique copper mixed media sculpture created with a repurposed wig head.

Title: Altered Box
Products used: Idea Book (Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts)
Vintage Image (Somerset Studio Free Artist Paper)
Paint (Folk Art, Golden)
Ink (Versacraft)
Stamps (Prima)
Brads (Making Memories)
Other (Tissue paper, silk flowers, empty chocolate box)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

If you're just getting started in mixed media art, this book is a great starting point. If you're more experienced and enjoy working with ink, paint, fabric, and found or repurposed objects, I think you'll find plenty of inspiring projects and techniques in Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts. There are several more projects I would like to try, including Quilted Memories and Family Heirlooms - both perfect for memory arts beyond the 12"x12" page.

I had a ton of fun with Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts and plan to keep it as a reference and mixed media art "cookbook" - a resource I know I will return to in the future. This book is a keeper. I give it a big two thumbs up.

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Review by Donna

As crafters, I think we'd all agree that there's nothing like a great idea book chock-full of innovative ideas to boost your creativity or inspire you to take that a trip "outside of the box"- that one ideal book that becomes your "go to" book when you're feeling the urge to try something fresh and different. Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts, Projects & Techniques Volume I by Cynthia Powell, the focus of this review, is just that - a fantastic publication that would be a wonderful addition to every crafter's library, one of their "go to" books.

The book is perfectly sized, measuring about 8" x 10" and, as soon as I pulled it out of the clear plastic sleeve it was wrapped in, I was immediately taken with the two mosaics of project photos arranged on its cover. I began thumbing through the book and found myself immediately inspired. The book consists of 91 pages that include a heartfelt introduction, Table of Contents, detailed supply lists, brief artists' bios and four sections of unique, creative ideas for almost fifty fun and innovative projects. I was, to say the least, very impressed by what I saw - the book's thick, smooth, glossy jacket perfectly encompassed its inner, matt-style pages wonderfully.The four sections of the book include the basics, recycled art, fabrics & fibers and unique embellishments & jewelry. Included within each of those sections are instructions for a wide range of techniques that include inks, fabrics, polymer clay, acrylic paper mache', brass and more, as well as ideas for projects using glass, styrofoam, wooden dowels, canvas, sandbags, beads and more. Best of all, most of these project can be created with the supplies you may already have on hand.

Upon a closer review of the book, I was again, inspired, and found myself saying "oh cool!" over and over again. Each project is nicely photographed and almost all of them have additional photographs for closer, detailed examination of the project. There are detailed supply lists for each and every one of the projects, as well as step by step, easy to follow, clear and concise instructions. Simply put, the book is a treasure trove of terrific ideas that will no doubt bring that extra punch to your creating regardless of your level of expertise – there's something for everyone here, from the beginner to the advanced. I was especially intrigued by the "Altered Canvas – Fabrics and Fibers" section of the book, which discusses the concept of canvas, creative freedom, and mixing materials together to create a piece of art that is truly unique to you. As stated in the introduction to this section, ". . . taking the ordinary and using it in a way to make it extraordinary". – powerful words for sure.

For my first project, I did some mixing of materials. I began with a plain, wooden frame, Omni Gel, collage paper, fabric, rubons, bling and Mod Podge. After first coating the frame with Omni Gel using a foam brush, I applied the paper. I then applied a second coat of the Omni Gel over the paper. Next, I cut out a few shapes from a piece of cotton fabric and then applied them over the paper, still working with the foam brush and Omni Gel. I applied another coat of Omni Gel over the fabric cut outs, and, once everything was dry, I applied the rubon flowers across the bottom. I then applied two coats of matt Mod Podge over everything and lastly, I adhered a few pieces of "bling" to the centers of the flowers. Once I inserted the photo and closed up the back of the frame, I applied the rubon to the glass.

Title: Today is Beautiful Frame

Products used:
Inspiration for Project (Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts, Projects & Techniques Volume 1 by Cynthia Powell)
Patterned Paper (DMD Industries)
Frame (DecorArt)
OmniGel (Houston Art)
Gesso (Golden)
Mod Podge(Plaid)
RubOns (KI Memories, Pieces of Me, Yellow)
RubOns (Karen Russell for Creative Imaginations)
Bling by Heidi Swapp, Orange Bling (Heidi Swapp, Orange)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

In my second project, I wanted to really "collage" it up, so I grabbed some different collage pieces, some stickers, fringe and chipboard. First, I prepared the paper mache' circle base, by applying a thin coat of Gesso. One the Gesso was dry; I alternated layers of additional collage paper pieces with thin layers of Omni Gel. While the base was drying, I prepared the metal frame while by first, punching the sides of the film strip and then applying a layer of mod podge to it. Once it was dry, I inserted it into the slide. Once the base was dry, I adhered the metal frame, chipboard frame, bottle cap, word sticker and ball trim. Lastly, after threading a ribbon through two holes at the top, I applied several layers of Stickles to the frosting on the cake to give it added dimension.

Title: Yesterdays

Products Used:
Inspiration for Project (Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts, Projects & Techniques Volume 1 by Cynthia Powell)
Omni Gel (Houston Art)
Patterned Paper (DMD Industries, Collage Papers)
Mod Podge (Plaid)
Stickers (Karen Russell for Creative Imaginations)
Chipboard (Sassafras Lass)
Bottle cap(Li'l Davis Designs)
Buttons (Autumn Leaves)
Dome Stickers (Sticko, ½")
Metal Frame(Kwick Klick)
Product10Ball Trim (Wrights)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I've looked through it several times since completing this review and am confident that I will continue to look to it for further technique "how tos", inspiration and project ideas. This publication by Cynthia Powell is impressive. She as well as her amazingly talented artists, Sherre Hulbert, Lesley Venable & Elizabeth Dawson, have brought us an amazing resource with "Exploring the Latest Trends in Mixed Media Arts". I can't wait to see a Volume II!!

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